Jade Shelby

she/her

Assistant Director of Intercultural Life

Jade Shelby, an Illinois native born and raised, brings her vibrant energy to Knox College as the Assistant Director of Intercultural Life. Having grown up surrounded by friends and chosen family from diverse backgrounds, Jade deeply values the richness of different cultures and life experiences. As a bi-racial woman (Black and White), she brings a unique perspective, understanding the world through the lens of both sides of history. Jade believes in the power of understanding and storytelling to build bridges between communities and foster environments of belonging.

As a non-traditional student, Jade juggled motherhood, work, and her studies while earning her BFA in Creative Writing from the University of Evansville (UE) in 2018. She then served the UE community as both a Records and Registration Coordinator and an Academic Advisor, supporting students across various aspects of their college journey. Passionate about creating a more just and all-embracing campus, Jade actively participated in committees and taskforces focused on belonging for underserved groups. In December 2024, she furthered her academic pursuits by earning an MA in English Literature from Indiana University, where she focused on Black and Indigenous literature and traditional cultural texts.

Jade is a true advocate for community building, and she brings that passion to Knox. A mom, a lifelong learner, and a dedicated listener, Jade is always eager to connect with others and share stories. When she's not busy fostering togetherness, you might find her engrossed in a good book—her "To Be Read" pile rivals the height of Old Main!

309-341-7236

jshelby@knox.edu